3 days ago
Springfield declares itself the world's Cashew Chicken Capital
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Springfield convention and visitors organization 'Visit Springfield' is declaring the city the 'Cashew Chicken Capital of the World' as it kicks off it's second annual event dedicated to the dish.
Yes, the declaration made on June 2, 2025 is a promotion, but there is some truth behind Springfield's most well-known dish.
According to a release from Visit Springfield, starting in June 2025, the Springfield Cashew Chicken Trail officially launched its second season, inviting food lovers to indulge in the dish that helped put Springfield on the culinary map.
Previous coverage: Cashew Chicken could become Missouri's official dish
Cashew Chicken was first created in 1963 when David Leong was looking for a way to better connect with Springfield customers eating at his Chinese restaurant.
By frying chicken chunks and drizzling a concoction of Chinese oyster sauce, cashews, and chopped green onions, Leong was successful in finding the right combination for southwest Missourians taste buds.
'Soon, versions of 'Springfield-Style Cashew Chicken' appeared on menus coast to coast and even around the world,' states Visit Springfield in a article published on the history in March, 2017.
You can find out more about the history of Springfield's famous Cashew Chicken by watching the video above, or by reading Visit Springfield's full history.
Previous coverage: Springfield's first Cashew Chicken Trail
The Cashew Chicken Trail is put on by Visit Springfield and features participating restaurants across the city by offering foodies the chance to sample a wide variety of takes on the classic.
This season's trail includes:
A brand-new, limited-edition Cashew Chicken Trail T-shirt for those who complete the challenge and earn enough points.
Several new restaurants added to the lineup, expanding the trail with even more local flavor and creativity.
Several new cashew chicken-inspired dishes such as cashew chicken pizza, wings, salad, and more that local restaurants have made their own.
Participants can sign up starting June 1 and begin earning points by checking in at participating restaurants and trying their featured dishes. The more stops you make, the more points you earn, and the closer you get to tasty rewards.
To sign up and get started on the trail, visit to learn more.
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